Summary
The group found themselves embroiled in a conflict between two species in a hidden civilization. They took a stand against the Hutaakan, who were practicing slavery. Their path led them to investigate an area known for “nightcrawlers,” nighttime undead.
Upon entering the Temple of Pflar, the party encountered their first challenge in the form of zombies. A Hutaakan priestess named Jane (TJ’s character), sent by Kfordez to watch over the temple, proved invaluable as she used her divine powers to turn undead, successfully defeating two of the undead creatures. After the battle, the group took time to make proper introductions and discuss their purpose at the temple.
The temple’s main chamber was an architectural marvel, featuring an impressive dome with a black pit at its center, surrounded by ethereal blue flames. Four imposing statues stood guard while a hanging cage added to the chamber’s mysterious atmosphere. Jane shared the temple’s rich history with the party, explaining both the undead curse and the nightcrawler problem that had emerged after the Traldar drove out the previous inhabitants.
During their investigation, the party discovered that a crucial silver basin, used in monthly rituals to suppress the undead, had gone missing. While discussing potential negotiations with Kfordez and their previous arrangement with Guri Ben-Kaal, they ventured into a vestment room where they faced three mangy, rotting corpse-like creatures. Jane demonstrated her divine power by successfully turning two of the undead, leaving the third cowering in fear.
The group’s exploration led them to a temple supply room where they encountered and defeated more zombies. Their thorough search revealed a secret door, behind which they found a ghostly spirit standing guard over the body of a high priest of Pflar, who appeared to have fallen victim to corruption or a curse. The party performed a solemn ritual to dispel the apparition. Jhaulk expressed particular interest in the deceased priest’s ornate plate mail armor and an emerald-studded platinum holy symbol.
Their temple mission reached its climax as they faced and defeated not only undead but also statues that sprang to life. Following their success, the party journeyed to Ronkan, a Traldar village, where they were brought before Guri Ben-Kaal, the Traldar leader. Though they were honored with a feast, tension lingered in the air, particularly regarding their new Hutaakan ally Jane, whom the Traldar escorts viewed with suspicion.
Negotiations commenced, focusing on maintaining the crucial ritual that prevented undead attacks. The talks proved successful, resulting in an agreement to bring Kfordez and meet in one week at the “gateway to the underworld.” As a reward for their diplomatic assistance, the party received the Greataxe of Pflar and silver ingots, though they later had to carefully consider how to manage the weight and value of their silver bounty.
Scenes
Recap of Previous Adventure
Players discuss their recent journey to a hidden civilization with complex political dynamics.
- Received map from Asmodie
- Discovered conflict between Hutaakan and Traldar
- Sided with Traldar against Hutaakan slavers
- Learned about Golthar the Mage’s involvement
Zombie Encounter at Temple of Pflar
The party enters an old, decaying temple decorated with an eight-starred symbol, disturbing zombies inside.
- Encountered four zombies in temple entrance
- Mal throws holy water at zombies
- Two zombies flee from the temple
- Jane uses turn undead to destroy one zombie and send another fleeing
- Remaining zombie rushes back into the temple
Temple Entrance Exploration
The party enters a large temple chamber with a mysterious and ominous setup including a pit, blue flames, and a hanging cage.
- Entered temple main chamber
- Observed pit surrounded by blue flames
- Noticed hanging cage and four statues
- Found stairs leading north
- Discovered 30-foot tall jackal-headed statue
Vestment Room Combat
The party opens a room and encounters three rotting creatures
- Opened vestment room door
- Encountered three mangy corpse-like creatures
- Group suffered from overwhelming rotting stench
- Jane used turn undead to destroy two creatures
- Last creature cowered and revealed secret door
Secret Passage Discovery
The party finds and investigates a hidden passage behind a shelf
- Found secret door behind shelf
- Triggered electrical trap when opening door
- Discovered high priest’s body
- Found silver bowl and other valuable items
- Encountered spectral guardian
Ghostly High Priest Encounter
The party confronts a powerful spectral entity guarding the high priest’s remains
- Found high priest’s body in ornate plate mail
- Spectral spirit emerges threatening the party
- Spirit attacks Squire Tuck, draining constitution
- Party retrieves silver bowl and other treasures
- Spirit is temporarily defeated
Ritual Completion
The party performs the ritual to suppress the undead
- Placed silver bowl on altar
- Used water from Singing Pool
- Recited ancient prayer
- Spirit dissipated
- Felt tension release from temple
Temple Escape
The party makes their escape as temple defenses activate
- Four statues animate and attack
- One statue attempts to strike Jane
- Party successfully flees temple
- Meet with waiting Traldar allies
Journey to Ronkan
The group travels to the Traldar settlement with their new ally
- Three-hour journey to Ronkan
- Discussed politics during travel
- Arrived at fortified settlement
- Observed Traldar lifestyle and culture
Meeting with Guri Ben-Kaal
A tense diplomatic meeting in the Traldar leader’s home
- Entered lavishly decorated house
- Guri Ben-Kaal deliberately excludes Jane from hospitality
- Discussed temple cleansing
- Negotiated future peace talks
- Received magical Greataxe of Pflar and silver ingots as reward
Npcs
Asmodie
Powerful wizard from Needle who commissioned the party to recover an artifact and sent them on their current quest. His apprentice was previously involved with the valley’s politics.
Kfordez
High priestess of Pflar and chief Hutaakan leader who sent Jane to watch the temple. Previously performed monthly rituals to suppress undead and may have left traps when forced to abandon the temple.
Jane
Hutaakan priest of Pflar (TJ’s character) who joins the party, interested in preserving culture while ending slavery and establishing peace between Hutaakan and Traldar.
High Priest of Pflar
Deceased Hutaakan priest with unique white fur, found wearing ornate golden plate mail and platinum star of Pflar. Body showed signs of corruption similar to acid damage.
Spectral Spirit
Ghostly guardian of the high priest’s body, wielding a shadowy sword capable of draining constitution from victims.
Guri Ben-Kaal
Traldar leader, described as wider and more brawny than other Traldar. Shows open hostility toward Hutaakan but agrees to peace talks. Known for aggressive mannerisms like breaking bones while eating.
Locations
Valley of Hutaaka
Geographical region where the adventure is taking place, containing multiple settlements including Ronkan and the Temple of Pflar.
Needle
City where Asmodie the wizard resides, from which the party received their initial quest.
Temple of Pflar
Ancient temple with a domed ceiling, central pit surrounded by blue flames, hanging cage, four guardian statues, and a 30-foot tall jackal-headed statue. Contains multiple rooms including vestment storage and secret passages.
Ronkan
Former Hutaakan cultural center now controlled by the Traldar, surrounded by a fifteen-foot high stone wall and ditch. Features three-story buildings, stone structures built into cliff face, and is home to many lizards and Traldar families.
Gateway to the Underworld
Location agreed upon for future peace talks between Kfordez and Guri Ben-Kaal, associated with the temple.
Singing Pool
Location several days travel to the south, source of special water used in the monthly ritual to suppress undead.
Spells
Turn Undead
Divine ability used multiple times by Jane to destroy or repel undead creatures. Particularly effective against zombies but failed against the powerful spectral guardian.
Cure Wounds
Healing spell used by Jane to restore some of Squire Tuck’s health after the spirit drained his constitution.
Light
Spell used to illuminate the dark temple chambers during exploration.
Items
Ancient Map
A magical map projected from an lantern, showing the location of a hidden civilization.
Silver Basin
Ritual item engraved with the symbol of Pflar, used in monthly ceremonies to suppress undead. Missing from temple altar. Found clutched in the high priest’s hands, needed for the undead-suppressing ceremony.
Platinum Star of Pflar
Gem-studded platinum religious symbol worn by the deceased high priest.
Ornate Plate Mail
Impeccable golden plate mail armor worn by the deceased high priest, coveted by Jhaulk.
Greataxe of Pflar
Magical great axe with bone handle and brass blades, given as reward by Guri Ben-Kaal. Allows reroll of natural ones on damage rolls.
Silver Ingots
Reward from Guri Ben-Kaal, worth 10 gold each and taking one inventory slot per ingot.
Mysterious Pouch
Container found on the high priest’s body, contents unknown as the party didn’t open it.
Silver Carafe
Fluted wine container shaped like a howling coyote, used by Guri Ben-Kaal during the feast.
Dubious Heroes 
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